TRANSITION AT AGE 18

29 - TRANSITION AT AGE 18

Purpose

To assist caseworkers in processing applications from unaccompanied asylum seeking children currently supported by a local authority social services department, who are approaching their 18th birthday.

Summary

Unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) are young people aged under 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, and who claim asylum. These children are assisted by the Refugee Council’s Panel of Advisers. In terms of support, they either receive assistance from the local social services department as children in need (section 17 of the Children Act 1989 refers) or are accommodated under section 20 of the Act. Both forms of support end when the young people reach age 18, although under section 24 of the Act LAs continue to have a duty to befriend UASC who have been accommodated under s20; to assist them with their educational, training and employment needs, and to provide general assistance, including assistance in cash or in kind.

Although UASC may arrive at any age, the majority of arrivals tend to be aged 16 – 17. Many of these young people will have received a determination and/or exhausted any appeal rights on their asylum application by the time they reach their 18th birthday. These people will have no avenue of support under the NASS scheme and any applications received from them should be refused. However, those who have not received a decision, or who are a